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Therapy Dog Test
Therapy Dogs come in all sizes, shapes and breeds, they must be at least one year
old to take the Therapy Dog Test. Therapy Dogs must be of sound temperament,
current on all vaccinations, and be clean and well groomed.
Candidates for testing no not have to take a class to be tested but must pass the
below test to become a Certified Therapy Dog. The test is the Canine Good
Citizen Test with additional therapy dog requirements. Once they pass the test they
must register with Therapy Dogs International, Inc and receive the proper
paperwork before visiting any facility. Below is the test that needs to be passed to
become a Therapy Dog.
Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and
speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The evaluator and handler
shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment
or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.
Additional TDI Requirement:
(The dog must be tested around medical equipment (such as a wheelchair, crutches,
cane, walker, or other devices which would ordinarily be found in a facility) to judge
the dog's reactions to common health care equipment. At the discretion of the
Evaluator, this part of the test may be included in any of the following tests: 2, 3, 5, or
9.
Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is
out with its handler. With the dog sitting at the handler's side, the evaluator
approaches and begins to pet the dog on the head and body. The dog may stand in
place as it is petted. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.
Test 3: Appearance and grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and
examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the
owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner's care, concern and sense of
responsibility. The evaluator inspects the dog then combs or brushes the dog, and in
a natural manner, lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot.
Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on
either side of the handler. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and
need not sit when the handler stops. In either case, there should be a right turn, left
turn, and an about turn with at least one stop in between and another at the end.
Test 5: Walking through a crowd
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is
under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to
several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers but
should continue to walk with the handler, without evidence of over-exuberance,
shyness or resentment. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the
dog throughout the test. The dog should not jump on people in the crowd or strain on
the leash.
Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's
commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit
or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The handler may take a reasonable
amount of time and use more than one command to get the dog to sit and then down.
When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward
the length of a 20 foot line. The dog must remain in the place in which it was left (it
may change position).
Test 7: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The
handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The
handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell
dogs to "stay" or "wait" or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog.
Test 8: Reaction to another dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two
handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 10 yards, stop,
shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 5 yards. The dogs
should show no more than casual interest in each other.
Test 9: Reaction to distraction
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common
distracting situations, such as the dropping of a large book or a jogger running in front
of the dog. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear
slightly startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark.
Additional TDI Requirement:
(Leave-it: the handler with the dog on a loose leash walks past food on the ground (
placed within a distance of three feet) and, upon command, the dog should ignore the
food. ( Please note: TDI does not permit the use of food/treats during actual therapy
dog visits.)
Acclimation To Infirmities:
This test demonstrates the dog's confidence when exposed to people walking with an
uneven gait, shuffling, breathing heavily, coughing, wheezing or other distractions
which may be encountered in a facility.
Test 10: Supervised Separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and
will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something
like, "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take hold of the dog's leash.
The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in
position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show
anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness.
Test 11: Say Hello
The TDI Certified Evaluator will test the willingness of each dog to visit a person and
that the dog can be made readily accessible for petting (i.e. small dogs can be placed
on a person's lap or can be held, medium and larger dogs can sit on a chair or stand
close to the patient to be easily reached.)
The dog must be able to work well around all types of populations, including children.
The dog's behavior around children must be evaluated during testing. It is important
that during the testing the potential therapy dog and the children are not in direct
contact. This means the dog can only be observed for a reaction toward children
playing, running or in general present at the testing site, Any negative reaction by the
dog will result in automatic failure. Negative reaction means a dog showing signs of
aggression.
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